Bicycle Patrol

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for officers volunteering for bicycle patrol while on duty.

Policy: Bicycle Patrol 

Author: Chief Joseph M. Hallman

WILEAG Standard: N/A

Issue Date: August 1, 2012

Reviewed Date: March 23, 2026

Revised Date: March 23, 2026

 

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for officers volunteering for bicycle patrol while on duty. 

Policy:

The UW-Platteville Police Department will use bicycle patrol as a supplement to foot patrol and vehicle patrol to enhance community policing efforts, deter crime, and apprehend criminals. 

Definitions:

1. Police Bicycle - Bicycles that will be that of “Mountain Bike” design, preferably 21 multi-speed, black in color with “POLICE” lettered somewhere on the visible frame.  A police bicycle is a department vehicle and department policy governing vehicles apply, especially the “EVOC” and “USE OF FORCE” policies.
2. Severe Weather Conditions- Those environmental weather conditions that affect the delivery or continuation of bicycle patrol services. Severe weather conditions include:
   1. Lightning
   2. Hail
   3. Heavy rainfall
   4. Ice
   5. Snow
   6. Strong winds
   7. Tornado warnings
   8. Temperatures that fall below 40 degrees F.
   9. Any other conditions deemed hazardous to operate by on-duty supervisor.

Procedures:

1. University issued equipment
   1. Police Bicycle
      1. Patrol mountain bike with water bottle and saddlebags.
      2. Front and Rear Reflectors
      3. Front Headlight
      4. ANSI approved helmet
2. Authorized equipment that can be purchased by the officer
   1. Polo Shirts
   2. Biking pants/ shorts
   3. Red/blue flashing strobes
   4. Siren
   5. Bicycle gloves
3. Training
   1. Officers may become certified by completing the Law Enforcement Bicycle Association course, the International Police Mountain Bike Association course or be trained by an in-house or outside agency trainer who is certified in either of these two courses.
   2. Every officer must also have an orientation to bicycle skills provided by a current UW-Platteville Bicycle Patrol Officer and/or City of Platteville Bicycle Patrol Officer and will have to demonstrate the following skills with proficiency:
      1. Emergency braking
      2. Curb, ascents, and descents
      3. Traversing traffic cones
      4. Stair descent
      5. Traffic stops
      6. Suspect contact
      7. Dismounts
      8. Balance exercises
4. Patrol
   1. Bicycle patrol may be employed on any shift.  When there are at least two officers working, one of those will be patrolling in a marked squad car and/or on foot patrol.
   2. Bicycle Patrol Officers are expected to handle any and all calls for service that occur during his/her shift and take enforcement action as appropriate.  If an arrest is made, the bicycle patrol officer may request another squad for transport, but the bicycle patrol officer will be responsible for the processing of the arrest.
   3. Officers will wear a helmet while on the bicycle.
      1. A department ANSI helmet is available for use, but any ANSI approved bicycle helmet can be worn during the shift.
   4. Officers on bicycle patrol will wear the bulletproof vest.
   5. Officers will obey all State and Municipal traffic laws and ordinances. When responding in emergencies, officers will follow the departments Emergency Vehicle Policy as it applies to bicycles.
   6. Officers are encouraged to wear eye protection and gloves.
   7. Officers will secure the police bicycle with the lock and cable when unattended. In emergency situations, a set of handcuffs may be used in the cases where time is a safety factor.
   8. Officers assisting officers in a marked squad should park the locked police bicycle in front of the squad.
      1. This will provide added security with the police video. The distance between the bike and the squad car must provide both visibility and maneuvering room for the squad car.
   9. Officers on bike patrol are in the public eye and will conduct themselves in a professional manner.
5. Maintenance - It is the responsibility of the officer who is assigned a University owned bike to maintain that bike and to check the bike prior to and after use. 
   1. The inspection will include checking for damage, tire pressure, brakes, quick release levers on tires, and lighting equipment. The officer is also responsible for routine cleaning.
6. Illness or injury - Officers will advise the supervisor of illness or injury that would impact their ability to ride the bicycle prior to riding and will also notify the shift supervisor of any injuries acquired from riding.